Christian Music Online

Christian music extravaganza

June 11, 2005 – 1:00 pm

Christian music extravaganza just keeps on growing GARNER — Sharing words of hope such as “Let go and let God take care of you,” Christian bands and solo artists greeted an enthusiastic crowd Friday for the opening of the fourth annual Bash on the Farm.

The event continues throughout today at the John and Cindy Wacker farm four miles south of Garner on U.S. Highway 69.

“If we love a little more in Your name, then this world is going to be changed,” sang Shawn Adams, an opening act on one of three stages on the farm grounds.

Clusters of friends and family members sat on lawn chairs and blankets or on the grassy lawn. Others stood talking and laughing together.

Smells of barbecued ribs wafted from a portion of the grounds where food vendors offered everything from sandwiches to cotton candy.

“It’s just a great way to hear Christian music,” said Kathy Friesen of Iowa Falls, who came with her husband, Ralph. “It’s a nice Friday night thing to do.”

Janel Shanks, 16, Ashley Ewalt, 15, Kaitlyn Huck, 14, and Christi Dittus, 19, all of Marshalltown, had been planning the trip for a month with their church youth group. They were camping overnight at Clear Lake. “It’s a chance for our church youth to grow together,” Shanks said.

One of the highlights Friday was watching Ewalt best the youth pastor in a challenge on the Bungee Run, one of several inflatable games attracting children and youths.

Nick McNees, 15, of Britt, came with friends for the first time because “it’s got some awesome bands.”

Luke Decker, 16, of Clear Lake, sported a black T-shirt for the Apologetix band, his favorite. “I’ve been to all of them,” he said of the Bashes on the Farm. In addition to awesome music, “there’s a lot of people to talk to and it’s good food,” he said.

Amber McNeese, 19, of Wesley, was another repeat customer who stood with friends, clapping and dancing. “It’s so much fun, a good environment, lots of fun people,” she said. “It’s just really a good time.”

Farm owner John Wacker, whose Do Right Corp. sponsors the annual event, said this year’s Bash is bigger with an additional stage, the Campfire Stage, and bigger-name bands.

One stage, the Corncrib Stage, is devoted to adult contemporary artists, such as Jackie Quinn, an opening vocalist Friday.

Next year, he plans to have five stages.

“We started this four years ago because we had the equipment and we had friends in bands,” Wacker said. “We invited some neighbors. It just kind of grew from that.”

In 2002, 150 people attended; in 2003, 1,500; and in 2004, 2,000 attended, Wacker said.

The Bash is intended as a family event, with activities to interest all ages, he said.

“It’s not raining,” he said, looking up at increasingly cloudy skies. “I’m happy.”

Reach Kristin Buehner at 421-0533 or kristin.buehner@globegazette.com

By KRISTIN BUEHNER, Of The Globe Gazette

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